Students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) on Thursday clashed with soldiers of the Nigeria Army over what many alleged to be oppression by the security agents.
The soldiers, according to eyewitnesses who spoke on the incident were said to have had an altercation with the students over whose turn to withdraw from the automated Teller machines, owned by one of the Banks at the University premises.
It was gathered that the soldiers clashed with the students after trying to withdraw money from the school ATM and allegedly ordering students to lie down.
This did not go down well with some students, which led to an exchange of words, resulting in the involvement of the institution’s Chief Security Officer (CSO).
The soldiers were alleged to have attacked and slapped the CSO, who had tried to make peace between the soldiers and the students.
Speaking on Thursday, a source at the institution said: “The soldiers came into the school to withdraw the new naira notes. And they told all students to lie down. Some Uniben students did not agree and started dragging with them. The fight escalated, and was taken to the school security office.
“The soldiers slapped the CSO and injured two students who were taken to UBTH. The school security still allowed them to leave. SUG and other comrades got angry and blocked the expressway.
“The soldiers slapped the CSO and injured two students who were taken to UBTH. The school security still allowed them to leave. SUG and other comrades got angry and blocked the expressway.”
The soldiers did the same thing yesterday. They told students to lie down while they withdrew money.”
When this platform contacted the State Police Command PRO, Chidi Nwabuzor, he stated that he was outside Benin and unaware of the clash.
Confirming the clash, Iwegbu Jennifer, the State Command 2I/C PRO, said the soldiers from S and T barracks had broken students’ phones and injured some of them, including the Uniben CSO.
Angered by the act, the police spokesperson said students retaliated, and the whole clash escalated.
According to her, the situation was only calmed after the soldiers’ RSM got involved, promising to look into the matter.
When contacted the PRO of UNIBEN, Mrs. Benedicta Ehanire, she simply said: “The VC (Vice Chancellor) has spoken to them (students) and the Army authorities.”
Pressed for more details on the action carried out by the institution, she added: “That is all I can say for now,” before dropping the call.
Also reacting in a statement on Friday, the Vice Chancellor of Uniben, Professor Lilian Salami appealed for calm.
She stated that the University is in discussions with the hierarchy of the S & T army barracks for amicable resolution.
The statement read: “The unfortunate incident of the clash between some students of our university and soldiers on Thursday 2nd February, resulting from alleged resistance of students to the soldiers’ attempt to jump ATM queues on campus has been brought under control and the Management of the University is in discussions with the hierarchy of the S & T for amicable resolution.
“The Management acknowledges that these are challenging times for everyone and enjoins all to remain calm while efforts are being made to avert a re- occurrence.
“Management also calls on the students to constantly engage dialogue in resolving issues that concern them rather than taking to protests, at any provocation, thereby causing more injury and damage to themselves and other citizens.”
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
Pandemonium In UNIBEN As Students Beat up Soldiers pic.twitter.com/I05iZEjYwH
— DAILY GIST (@dailygistonline) February 3, 2023
